Looking For Breast Milk Donations For My Daughter

EDIT! I have received an AMAZING flood of responses from mommies literally worldwide offering love, support, prayers and resources! I’ve also had a huge number of local Pensacola mommies offering milk donations and networking options to get me the milk I need for Tessa. THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO HAS REACHED OUT!!! I knew it before, but it’s undeniable now… breastfeeding mommies ROCK! As I’ve said in a previous post, it just floors me that this unborn baby that means the world to me, has other mommies out there who are caring for and looking out for her too! I’m beginning to realize what it means when people say that “things feel different once you’re a mother”. All these e-mails, calls, texts, messages and donations are not just an act of generosity to me, they are an act of kindness toward my DAUGHTER. I don’t know how to begin to thank all of you!

I haven’t been able to respond to too many people on my phone (my service has been so sketchy!) but I am finally back to the local Starbucks for Internet access (these guys must love me) so I will be getting to work responding to the messages I’ve received. THANK YOU AGAIN EVERYONE!! YOU HAVE BLESSED ME MORE THAN WORDS CAN EXPRESS!!!!

This is somewhat urgent. My friends freezer that contained my entire stash of donor breast milk was somehow unplugged and all of the milk has been spoiled. I am currently looking for breast milk donations for my daughter Tessa, who is due sometime in the next week or two.

I was born with tuberous breasts hypoplasia. The condition affects the ability of women to breastfeed because the milk glands usually do not develop enough to produce breast milk. After finding various (thankfully noncancerous) lumps in my breasts as a teenager, my doctor decided to remove them, and in the process perform reconstructive plastic surgery. Due to the hypoplasia in my breasts, I had excess fibrosis connective tissue, and so as the lumps were being removed via free nipple graft, they had to take far more tissue than at first anticipated. I ended up receiving a partial mastectomy, which removed my milk glands and damaged the nerves around my areola – sealing the deal that I would never be able to produce breast milk and breastfeed in the future.

The plan was to have my friend (who was storing the milk in her deep freezer) overnight the milk to me. I just learned today that the freezer somehow unplugged and that all of the milk is completely spoiled. I currently have no breast milk for my daughter. I’m devastated. And I am back to looking for donors.

I’m a bit frantic. I’m not gonna lie, I’ve been crying like a baby all day long. Since we still don’t have internet in the new apartment I’m writing this from a Starbucks and crying at my laptop in public like a freak. I hate feeling so helpless, so inadequate, so unable to provide food for my baby. Knowing how important the nutrients breast milk provides is, I feel sick that I cannot produce this for my daughter, myself.

And I hate asking people for donations. As I said in a previous blog post – I don’t know how to go about broaching the subject to people who might be able to help. And I certainly didn’t anticipate how painful inadvertent questions, suggestions or inquiries would be on the topic of breastfeeding. “Are you planning to breastfeed?” “You really should consider breastfeeding, it’s so important for a baby.” “How long do you plan to breastfeed?” “Have you produced any milk yet?” I get ashamed, embarrassed and defensive all at once and then feel awkward and bumbling when it comes to asking for help or resources.

Anyway. I’m looking for donations. If anyone can help, please let me know. You can e-mail me at gingifreeman@gmail.com

I’m about to make the rounds online, trying to locate generous moms in the area that might be able to feed my little girl. Please keep me and Tessa in your prayers?

Gingi is a photographer, cosplayer, amateur chef, crazy cat lady, anime otaku, bookworm, generic geek, world traveler, conservative Christian, homeschooler, devoted military wife and stay at home new mother of two little girls.

Gingi blogs about anything and everything that is relevant to being a supermom, stay at home wife, homeschooler and geek girl! You can contact her at gingifreeman@gmail.com or via the contact form on her website at www.domesticgeekgirl.com

Gingi Freeman

Gingi is a photographer, cosplayer, amateur chef, crazy cat lady, anime otaku, bookworm, generic geek, world traveler, conservative Christian, homeschooler, devoted military wife and stay at home new mother of two little girls.
Gingi blogs about anything and everything that is relevant to being a supermom, stay at home wife, homeschooler and geek girl! You can contact her at gingifreeman@gmail.com or via the contact form on her website at www.domesticgeekgirl.com

155 thoughts on “Looking For Breast Milk Donations For My Daughter”

Reblogged this on Momma Needs Coffee and commented:
I know I have people who read my blog from all over the world. I am not sure if someone out there can help, but I am more than willing to put the word out for Gingi and Tessa. Every mom deserves to feed her baby the way she feels is right. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers Gingi, and I hope you find the help you need!!!

Reblogged this on The Crafty Book Goddess and commented:
Please Please Please, pass this on. My friend Gingi and her baby Tessa need your help. If anyone out there can help, please let us know. Even if you can’t help, please pass this on.

Hey, I reblogged this, and I’m putting the word out there both via the blog, and sharing this via my facebook friends. I love you. I hope you get the help that you guys deserve. Love you darling. And if you want, you can call me and cry, and I’ll cry with you. I know several moms who are breastfeeding, hopefully someone can help you out.

I would be happy to donate milk to you (I have a 4 month old, don’t smoke, take 75 mcg levothyroxin and 5mg Claritin which are both bm safe), but I live in Massachusetts, so I don’t know if it would be possible. Have you tried human milk 4 human babies or eats on feets?

Yes, I just posted on HM4HB and Eats on Feets for Florida AND Alabama (I live just 13 miles from the Alabama border).. haven’t heard anything back yet. I’m also planning on connecting with the local Le Leche League here in Pensacola at their monthly meeting TOMORROW… so we’ll see! Thank you so much for your thoughts..

Hi, I know someone in Hanford who is/was a donor. I forwarded to her this blog post. I’m sure she can put you in touch with all the right people. I’m currently on the East Coast I have contacts out her but that won’t help you much. I hope it all works out. I lost my stash last year with Hurricane Sandy.

Reblogged this on Tales of a Mom and commented:
Please help this fellow mama! I wish I could afford to pump and overnight milk to her on a regular basis. If you cannot donate liquid gold for baby Tessa, please reblog and spread the word!

A friend of mine always has a stash. She is the healthiest person I know and takes great care of herself. Bonus for you … she lives in Pensacola. When she wakes up tomorrow I’ll give her your information. I know she’d help. 🙂

If you are unable to obtain enough donor milk, check out how to make your own infant milk. http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com has a great blog and tutorial on how to do that. Wonder what moms before formula did if they dried up??? 🙂 just 2cents for a fellow mom. Blessings.

I’m currently breastfeeding my 7 week old baby, and I definitely produce enough milk. I’ve thought about being a donor, but I don’t have any money (long story and tough situation), so I wouldn’t be able to safely store any, and wouldn’t know how to send it to anyone. If I knew there was a safe way to ship milk without it spoiling, and if I had freezer bags, I’d most certainly be willing.

May i ask why you dont just use formula?? It seems like an easier solution. Obviously most people want to breastfeed but sometimes its not possible. my son is 17 months and i found out after he was born that I wasn’t producing. Well I started using formula and he’s just as healthy as any other baby and actually at the top of his percentile..obviously it’s your choice but there is nothing wrong with formula

hope you don’t get a lot of mean replies! to answer your question, some moms really would rather give breastmilk only. there are studies that show the benefits of breastmilk over formula that go way into depth beyond “breast is best” including different flora present in the gut after birth to allergies in the future. there will be many moms who feel very strongly about breastmilk only – to each their own!

Because she wants to make sure her child gets the best nutrition. Because she wants to make sure her child is eating anything but corn syrup(a filler) as a first food. She wants to make sure her child is getting the healthiest start. She wants what’s first best, not second best.

hey! I just found your post through facebook, and I know there is a milk bank I believe in Cali. if you cant find some help there, I have a friend here who said she can spare you her’s…she just stopped breastfeeding. She said she can ship to you! She is a Military Wife….us military girls gotta stick together

I breast fed my daughter for a year. I am in Alabama, not too far away from you. I wil make some calls tomorrow. If I can find a breast pump and get the milk flowing again, I will help- you. Please message me

I wish I were still breastfeeding so I could donate to you, but I did want to say if ANYONE says ANYTHING to you about breastfeeding, look them in the eye and tell them you’ve had a partial mastectomy. Then you will get to watch them cringe in utter embarrassment for being so nosy.
Best of luck to you!
Karyn

Hi, I really hope you find what you need. I can tell from your dedication and concern for your daughter that you are going to be a great mom. I just want you to know that it will be ok, no matter what. I breastfed 3 our of my 4 kids. The non-breastfed one is just as healthy, happy, and smart as her brother and sisters. Do not beat yourself up – babies need happy moms who are not so stressed out. I have also cried over spilled breast milk that I worked so hard to pump. You will also be a good mom if you have to give her formula.

Hugs to you mama. I also suffer from Hypoplastic breasts and have nourished two of my three children with donor milk. From what I’ve seen in the milksharing community if your story reaches mothers in your area you will get help. I’ll be sharing this on my FB.

I should have breastmilk for you. I have a 4 month old, I don’t smoke, don’t drink, don’t take any medications & we eat almost all organic & 99% gluten-free. I have to work on increasing my supply but I should be able to. I’m an hour or so away from you & I’m already planning a trip to Pensacola around the last week of September for the day & I can bring it then. If you need it sooner I can try to bring some to you sooner. Let me know =)

Mothers milk tea and fenugreek supplements are a good thing to look into for milk supply increase. I have had to use both before and they work great. Heads up on the fenugreek though. It makes your sweat smell like maple syrup.

Hi I have extra pumped milk that my 10 mo old has refused to take from a bottle or sippy. He only wants breast… so I have extra! I’m a non smoker no meds I eat very healthy and work out. Btw had our son been a girl, we would have had a Tessa ♥ please email me if you’re interested.

I wish I could help, but I really struggle to pump. Tomorrow morning I’ll set my pump up and see if I can get anything. If I can, I’ll PM you. Providing breast milk is hard. I have provided breast milk exclusively for two babies and it is no joke! I definitely don’t want to downplay the desire to provide breast milk for your baby, and I certainly wish you the best of luck in finding enough milk to provide it exclusively. With that said, your baby needs YOU. Period. That’s it. Breast milk is what is normal to feed human babies, but if that doesn’t work, YOU are still enough for your baby. Please don’t allow yourself to be fooled. NO mother provides the best of everything for her child. We all “cut corners” at some point or another. And even that statement is foolish in itself. We don’t live in utopia. From birth we all get the best of some, the worst of others, and something in between for everything else. That’s just life. That will be your baby’s life too. And you will be the best mommy for that baby they could possibly ask for. Good luck!

I’m in Gulf Breeze and have been Bfing for 7 months, I recently donated my stash but am going to break out the good ol’ pump to see if I can help! I hope you can find someone with a younger baby for more colostrum-y milk! You’ll be hearing from me soon via email!

I reblogged this on my blog (http://the-catrons.blogspot.com/)and posted in a crunchy moms group on facebook that I am a part of. I live in Pensacola as well, and know several women who might be able to help you. Please feel free to get back with me, and I can see about getting you in the group so you can reach out to some like-minded women who can help. (:

I am praying that someone will help you with your need for breast milk, but it breaks my heart that you are suffering so over this. You will be a great mother, whether or not you get all the breast milk you need. I truly believe that God gave you this child despite your breast issues and that your child will be healthy even if you need to give him/her formula. It is not a failure on your part not to be able to breast feed. There are thousands of good mothers out there who cannot breast feed for whatever reason, and have healthy, happy babies. It is worse for your baby to have a totally stressed out mom with breast milk than a calm happy mom without it. Praying for you and will share your post.

Don’t cry. Ironically, I received this post from a friend while I was pumping milk for my 3 month old daughter. My friend and I are both military wives. I’m going to Pensacola on Sept. 19th and I have a small freezer full of milk, plus I can give you fresh milk while I’m there. Can you wait until the 19th?

Wish you were still in Hanford! I’m in Clovis up near Fresno. My baby is 3 months. I have some in my freezer. Maybe only 50 oz. though. If there is a good way to get it to you, it’s yours. I’m totally clean. Never done drugs. Don’t drink or smoke. Email me if you can use it.

You are in my prayers & everything is going to be okay! You are in one of THE best places in the country you can be because Sacred Heart Hospital (in Pensacola) is a Women’s Hospital (more info here but read this later. http://www.sacred-heart.org/womenshospital/)

Just remind yourself things happen for a reason. I know it’s not comforting now, but who knows… Maybe the shipment was going to get delayed or lost. Now you at least have a little time to re-stock & find new options. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths & try to relax for you & baby!

FIRST, let me put the important info up here at the top:
Contact Sacred Heart Hospital’s NICU! There are probably multiple Momma’s there that would be thrilled to donate breast milk. At the very least, I bet the nurses/staff can direct you to some help!

Okay, now that you have that info (you can come back & read this after you have called them)…

You’re life has so many similarities to my own, but a bit in reverse order. It’s kinda weird how similar! I moved from Northern CA (Paradise) to Pensacola, FL just after graduating high school. I got married 2 wks before graduation. A few weeks prior my husband (who was 7 yrs older & in graduate school when we met) was accepted to Naval flight school (AOCS) in Pensacola.
I’d planned to wait around 4-5 yrs (after finishing nursing school) to have babies but 6 months later found myself pregnant. I hadn’t missed a single birth control pill, no antibiotics, etc., and because my husband had very few hours (if any) away from the barracks I know the minute I got prego, lol!

Long story short: I ended up in pre-term labor @26wks, stopped with oral meds. By 28 wks I’d been admitted to the Naval Hospital & days later transferred to Sacred Heart in Pensacola because they had a NICU. I spent 8 wks there on IV meds, went home (insert long story here, lol) and then, 24 months before I turned 20, I delivered my son (full term!) at Sacred Heart Hospital. We still ended up in NICU x’s 2wks because of severe complications during the birth, the gory details are not necessary just before you’re due. The short story: he was born dead after an emergency c-sect. I almost died. He just turned 26. Although I’ve had 9 miscarriages I ended up with a son & a daughter & they each have 2 beautiful babies.

I will share more of my story (breast surgery, milk ducts removed, etc) later but I want to post the above info for you now. I just KNOW things will work out.
Sending hugs!

I live in Fresno…..contact Hillori Hansen she is the Westin Price Leader here…..we have a very strong community of Breastfed families. wHEN YOU MUST USE FORMULA you can make it homemade with Raw Goats Milk…..it’s next best thing.

You are in my prayers & everything is going to be okay! You are in one of THE best places in the country you can be because Sacred Heart Hospital (in Pensacola) is a Women’s Hospital (more info here but read this later. http://www.sacred-heart.org/womenshospital/)

Just remind yourself things happen for a reason. I know it’s not comforting now, but who knows… Maybe the shipment was going to get delayed or lost. Now you at least have a little time to re-stock & find new options. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths & try to relax for you & baby!

FIRST, let me put the important info up here at the top:
Contact Sacred Heart Hospital’s NICU! There are probably multiple Momma’s there that would be thrilled to donate breast milk. At the very least, I bet the nurses/staff can direct you to some help!

Okay, now that you have that info (you can come back & read this after you have called them)…

You’re life has so many similarities to my own, but a bit in reverse order. It’s kinda weird how similar! I moved from Northern CA (Paradise) to Pensacola, FL just after graduating high school. I got married 2 wks before graduation. A few weeks prior my husband (who was 7 yrs older & in graduate school when we met) was accepted to Naval flight school (AOCS) in Pensacola.
I’d planned to wait around 4-5 yrs (after finishing nursing school) to have babies but 6 months later found myself pregnant. I hadn’t missed a single birth control pill, no antibiotics, etc., and because my husband had very few hours (if any) away from the barracks I know the minute I got prego, lol!

Long story short: I ended up in pre-term labor @26wks, stopped with oral meds. By 28 wks I’d been admitted to the Naval Hospital & days later transferred to Sacred Heart in Pensacola because they had a NICU. I spent 8 wks there on IV meds, went home (insert long story here, lol) and then, 4 months before I turned 20, I delivered my son (full term!) at Sacred Heart Hospital. We still ended up in NICU x’s 2wks because of severe complications during the birth, the gory details are not necessary just before you’re due. The short story: he was born dead after an emergency c-sect. I almost died. He just turned 26. Although I’ve had 9 miscarriages I ended up with a son & a daughter & they each have 2 beautiful babies.

I’m happy to share more of my similar story later (breast surgery twice, milk ducts removed, etc) but wanted to get the above info to you ASAP!

By the way, you may want to check into the possibility of giving birth at Sacred Heart. The Naval Hospital is a good hospital but with your issues they may refer you out. I don’t know what the cost is now but back then (1987) for my delivery & his 2 wk NICU stay the total out of pocket was either $25/day or $400… whichever was less. My previous 8 week stay was covered. (I did have to pay $2/day to watch the about 8 channels of TV offered, lol.) Because of my situation I had to have my son at SHH. Not sure what all the requirements/loopholes are these days.

I sympathize with this lady but I have two kids … Now adults and they never breast fed. Both very healthy. It was not I didn’t Wang go breast feed…but this is a long.story. I would never have considered giving my children breast milk that came.from somebody else. Youbdo.not.know.what some ppl eat or put in their bodies. I rather use formula which is.what my.kids were raised on…than give.them.something that comes from someday else’s body.

Kathy I can understand your concern, however, donors are usually people who understand the importance of breast milk vs. formula. Breastfeeding requires a different type of diet that requires you to stay away from certain foods, alcoholic beverages, etc. Remember that a donor is also feeding their own child. I’m sure that a mother who takes great pride in knowing that breast is best, and has milk to share with other mothers who understand the same, isn’t such a bad choice after all.

Formula comes from “someone else’s body” too– a random cow, usually pumped full of antibiotics and growth hormones. Cow milk has been proven to have high levels of pus and blood in it too. The milk is then pasteurized and dried to the point of having no nutritional content, so then synthetic (chemical) vitamins are added, which are difficult to absorb. Formula is also linked to a wide variety of health issues (even if your kids are healthy, science shows us formula is a significant health risk).

Donor milk, on the other hand, comes from a mother who is breastfeeding her own child. As long as she has no diseases that can be passed through breast milk (she wouldn’t be feeding her own child if she did…) and is not on drugs, donor milk is approximately a million times safer than formula.

Your concern is not valid. Please do research on breastmilk and how it is made from a body before you post things like this. Lactation takes your nutritients, not your diet, not the alcoholic beverage. Donors are usually very generous and kind people that have lost an infant or is feeding their own child. Before you go spreading your ignorance, research it and figure out exactly what you are talking about.

Kathy you are ignorant. Obviously she doesn’t want to give her baby formula or she wouldn’t be asking for help. The whole “my kids turned out just fine” is the such a crock of shit excuse people use to make themselves feel better about the choices they made. When you want to breastfeed your baby which breasts were intended for you WILL find a way. I will try & store some milk for you, I have to pump daily since I work & I understand the frustration that comes with not feeling like you can provide. I hope everything works out! Good for you for doing all that you can to give your baby what they need.

No need to attack those who formula fed because they could not breast feed even if they know breast is best. Not everyone knows/knew about donation services. While I do not agree with Kathy’s reply I also think it is unfair to attack those who gave their babies formula. It is NOT always a crock of S excuse. The public is told that formula is safe, formula is great and not every mom has the resources or knowledge available to know that there are better options. I was fortunate to be able to breastfeed, but I have seen many moms struggle with many reasons why they could not and even I did not know anything about these resources until the last couple of years.

I hope mama and baby find the donations they are looking for and need in order to provide the best immune support for baby.

I shared this with BreastfeedingUSA. I just donated my freezer stash and my daughter weaned, but I could probably pump a few ounces! Remember that a few ounces (even just one ounce) is enough for the first day. I hope this works out! 🙂

So so so sorry to hear about this. I know firsthand how hard it is to have your milk spoil, spill or be rendered useless! My thoughts are with you, I am well past the milk making stage or I would try and help. Hope you find your milk in time 🙂 Hang in there and don’t forget, regardless of breastfeeding or not, you are a strong and good mother. It doesn’t make you less of a mother because you can’t breastfeed. Seriously. Hang in there, my thoughts are with you!

I would offer to help but I am already committed to donate my extra to a mom I have been donating to for 7 months. If and when she no longer needs it you are more than welcome to my extra although I am in Indian River county so it may be a drive for you 🙁 Eats on Feets and Human milk 4 human babies on FB have local chapters in Florida! (links below) I met my recipient mom through them! Best of luck!

Hi there! I found someone in Pensacola who has milk to share if you are still in need. She tried emailing you but the email address you have listed didn’t work. Her email address is Dreatopia10@aol.com 🙂 Hope this helps

You can contact one of the HMBANA Milk Banks. https://www.hmbana.org/ It looks like the closest one is in Raleigh, NC, but each milk bank ships all over the US. Unfortunately, there is likely a fee associated and they are prioritizing fragile newborns. From previous comments, it sounds like you have some local options. If you take the route of receiving shipments from donors, just make sure you agree on the method of shipment and payment. You’ll want to use dry ice (which has to be shipped as a hazardous material) in an insulated box (if you can find one) and overnight shipping. Not cheap, but the best way to ensure that the shipment stays frozen. Best of luck and congratulations!

Hi I can provide you some 🙂 my daughter is 3 months and I can give probably 100 ounces right now and continue to pump for you 🙂 my number is 530 514 0572 please contact me and I can meet or ship to you!

Hi I shared your story on my FB page, a friend gave me a link I am going to leave for you. Good luck, I wish I were still breast feeding, I would donate in a red hot second. Sending prayers that you find a donor.http://www.onlythebreast.com
Hopefully they are a good resource for you.

I may be able to help as I have a 3 month old and a stash of milk in my freezer. I’m not sure the logistics on making it work because I know milk changes as baby grows but I am willing to discuss making it happen. I know I won’t have enough to nourish your baby but maybe you could combine it with other donors? Feel free to email me. I livebin Milton by the way.

Hundreds of us IGT moms nursing our babies! Some supp with formula, some with donor milk, some with goats milk formula. Some with bottle, some with SNS, some with lact aid and some home made!!!!!!! Lots of mommas to relate to and ask for advice!

My baby is 3 months old and Ebf (donor milk and lactaid) thanks to the help from this group!!

I live in SW Pensacola. I have a gallon bag in my freezer full of milk. I usually can fill a gallon bag a week with breastmilk. If, you can provide some storage bags I’ll be glad to help you out with some extra milk.

have you tried looking up the nearest breast banks around your? You can donate/ and receive Breast milk there. If I lived closer and if I were a bit further along and was lactating I would pump for you. 🙁 My heart pours for you and hope you find someone who can help you ASAP. I’m advocate for breast feeding and feel it should be done first and foremost unless those out there just simply can’t. God bless, and those who are able to help, bless you as well. 🙂

I haven’t read all the comments, so this may have been mentioned, but on Facebook there’s Eats on Feet, which has an umbrella FB page and then regional pages you can post breast milk requests/offers on. I’m pretty sure Eats on Feet serves most or all of North America. Good luck! 🙂

I WISH I could pump for you & Tessa! My nursling is now 2 years old, so the pump no longer works for producing milk. 🙁 However, I am pregnant – due in Feb-March, and will hopefully be able to pump then. If you’re still in need, I would consider it an honor to help. I’ll be back to check (if mommy brain allows me to remember, lol) around the time I should be having this baby. Of course, you can also email me – chelle bonney at gmaildotcom. If you’re ok with it, I’d like to send you a card – so email me your address if you’re comfortable.

My heart goes out to you in your quest. Your blog entry struck a chord in a way that I can acutely feel because of some things that I have been through. Please, PLEASE know–you are NOT in ANY way, inadequate!

All parents face many challenges, and let’s face it–without God’s Grace, NONE of us are up to the INCREDIBLE challenge ahead of us as parents! EVERY parent has their own unique hurdles to overcome in providing that which our children need. Your cross may be different from most, in fact in toto, it is UNIQUELY crafted for you–but it was also tailor made for you, by God, to fit you and be NOTHING that you cannot handle. God has provided in you, in abundance, a great amount of love and the gift of foresight, as well as kind and generous friends who will help you give your child whatever she needs in this life for her to fulfill God’s role for her.

We have never met, but we HAVE exchanged a great deal of ideas through the years that I have known you. I know that you are an incredible woman, I’ll bet that you are an incredible wife, and I KNOW that you are going to be an AWESOME Mother to Tessa, one who will shower her with the most important things–love, your time, and a knowledge of God–in a way that God made you and you ALONE able to provide for her, and that NO ONE else could.

I am SO happy that you are receiving the gift of the most natural food for Tessa, but remember, no matter what the hurdle, God will either provide for you to overcome it, or will make you (and Tessa and Jonathan) stronger, either in overcoming it or developing another solution for it. One way or another, it will be well!

God love you ALL, Gingi, and we thank God for His one-time gifts of YOU and Jonathon (and now Tessa!) to this planet!